Washington in Focus

Washington businesses are raising new concerns about the state's economic direction as rising taxes, labor costs, and regulations continue to impact employers. A new National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) report finds Washington small business owners are significantly less optimistic than the national average, citing labor costs, taxes, and government regulations as major obstacles to...

Washington's income tax repeal campaign has reached a major milestone after Let's Go Washington delivered more than 500,000 petition signatures to the Secretary of State in an effort to place the new income tax before voters this November. The Center Square was on scene in Tumwater as supporters gathered to celebrate the signature submission. While state officials will spend the next several weeks...

Seattle welcomed the U.S. Men's National Team back to Lumen Field as fans from across the country and around the world gathered for a FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match against Belgium. Visitors praised Seattle's waterfront, walkable downtown, public transit, restaurants, and overall fan experience, with many calling it one of the best host cities of the tournament. The Center Square also spent the...

A rare legislative ethics hearing involving Washington State Rep. Tarra Simmons continued Tuesday as witnesses testified about campaign donations, nonprofit funding, and allegations of conflicts of interest. The hearing could result in significant penalties if ethics violations are found. Meanwhile, the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development is moving away from the long-standing Housi...

Hundreds of Seattle residents marched along Aurora Avenue North over the weekend, demanding action on crime, prostitution, sex trafficking, and repeated shootings in the area. Residents say public safety conditions have deteriorated and are calling on city leaders to respond. The demonstrations come just days before Seattle hosts its first World Cup match, with some officials warning that internat...

Washington faces new economic challenges as another major manufacturer announces plans to expand outside the state. In today's Washington In Focus Daily, we examine Janicki Industries' decision to build an $800 million expansion project in Montana rather than Washington, citing rising costs, regulations, and energy prices. We also hear new warnings from Downtown Seattle Association President John...

As Seattle prepares to welcome hundreds of thousands of World Cup visitors, business leaders are calling for additional security measures and renewed focus on public safety. We break down the debate over surveillance cameras, the economic stakes for local businesses, and what city leaders are doing ahead of kickoff. Plus, Washington's WA Cares program is encouraging previously exempt workers to op...

Today on Washington in Focus Daily: New developments in the deadly Nippon pulp mill explosion in Longview Community outrage grows after the arrest of Longview School District Superintendent Karen Cloninger The effort to repeal Washington’s new income tax shatters early signature-gathering records TOP STORY: LONGVIEW REELING AFTER DEADLY NIPPON PLANT DISASTER Washington State Sen. Jeff Wilson says...

Los Angeles mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt is drawing national attention after suggesting that many drug-addicted homeless individuals in Los Angeles could eventually relocate to Seattle under his proposed homelessness policies. Pratt made the comments during an interview with ABC7 Los Angeles while discussing his plans for addressing homelessness and addiction in the city. SPENCER PRATT TARGETS...

Newly obtained unredacted communications between Sen. Jamie Pedersen and the Washington Attorney General’s Office are continuing to fuel scrutiny over how the state’s new millionaire’s tax was crafted and defended legally. Center Square reporters TJ Martinell and Carleen Johnson attended a state Supreme Court swearing-in ceremony this week hoping to question Chief Justice Debra Stephens and Gov. B...

A second Democratic member of the Seattle City Council is now publicly raising concerns over comments made by Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson regarding businesses and wealthy residents potentially leaving the city and state over rising taxes and regulations. During an exclusive interview with Center Square Seattle reporter Randy Diamond, Seattle City Councilman Rob Saka said he disagrees with dismissin...

Washington’s political and economic battles over the newly enacted millionaire’s income tax are intensifying as Let’s Go Washington reports overwhelming public interest in its repeal initiative campaign. During Tuesday’s episode of Washington In Focus Daily, Center Square reporter Carleen Johnson examined: The rapidly expanding repeal effort Business concerns surrounding the income tax Ongoing con...

Washington’s political and economic battles over the newly enacted millionaire’s income tax continue intensifying as lawmakers, business groups, and advocacy organizations clash over the future of taxation, constitutional law, and economic competitiveness in the state. During Monday’s episode of Washington In Focus Daily, Center Square reporter Carleen Johnson spoke directly with State Senator Jam...

In this episode of Washington In Focus Daily, major questions emerge over Washington’s business climate, water rights battles, and the growing debate over homelessness policy across the state. Starbucks founder Howard Schultz publicly criticized Seattle and Washington leadership over what he described as an increasingly anti-business political climate, while a Moses Lake family farm continues a co...

Newly obtained emails, growing business relocation concerns, and fresh criticism from former Governor Chris Gregoire are intensifying Washington’s ongoing political and legal battle over the state’s new income tax structure. In this episode of Washington In Focus Daily, Venice AI founder Jesse Proudman explains why he joined Let’s Go Washington’s initiative campaign to repeal the state income tax,...

Washington state officials have released a complete list of daycare providers who received nearly $58 million in childcare facility grants after questions emerged over previously unnamed recipients. In this episode of Washington In Focus Daily, we examine the newly released childcare grant data, the growing debate over parental rights and school district compliance with House Bill 1296, and renewe...

Washington’s political battles continue escalating as a new initiative to repeal the state’s income tax officially moves forward, a public disclosure complaint targets podcaster Brandi Kruse, and state education officials consider new rules that critics say could pressure school superintendents over parental rights policies. In this episode of Washington In Focus Daily, we break down the latest de...

A forensic audit revealed $13 million unaccounted for and a $45 million deficit at the King County Regional Homelessness Authority, prompting calls to immediately halt funding until a full accounting is completed. At the same time, new concerns are emerging over millions in taxpayer-funded daycare subsidies — with some recipients remaining unnamed. 💰 TOP STORY: $13M MISSING, FUNDING UNDER FIRE Au...

A new business survey shows nearly 1 in 4 employers are considering leaving the state, while a separate audit reveals $13 million missing and a $45 million deficit in a major homelessness agency. What’s driving these trends — and what does it mean for jobs, taxes, and your cost of living? In this episode of Washington In Focus Daily, we break down the biggest economic and policy stories shaping th...

A new business survey reveals a growing number of employers are considering leaving the state, citing taxes, regulations, and overall business climate. In this episode of Washington In Focus Daily, we break down the biggest stories impacting families, businesses, and policy across the state. 💼 TOP STORY: BUSINESSES MAY LEAVE WA New survey: Nearly 1 in 4 employers considering relocation Key concer...

A major homelessness agency in King County is facing possible shutdown after an audit revealed millions of dollars unaccounted for. At the same time, a separate legal battle over Washington’s new income tax continues after a major court ruling. In this episode of Washington In Focus Daily, we break down both stories and what they mean for taxpayers. 💰 TOP STORY: MILLIONS MISSING King County Regio...

From a blocked income tax vote to record gas prices, major decisions are impacting taxpayers across the state. In this episode of Washington In Focus Daily, we break down the biggest legal, political, and economic stories shaping your wallet and your vote. ⚖️ TOP STORY: INCOME TAX REFERENDUM BLOCKED WA Supreme Court: Rejected appeal to allow referendum Law: 9.9% tax on income over $1M Reason: Rule...

From a judge blocking a controversial law to a lawsuit over billions in pension funds, major questions are being raised about government power, taxpayer money, and your rights. In this episode of Washington In Focus Daily, we break down three major stories impacting voters, law enforcement, and the state economy. ⚖️ TOP STORY: JUDGE BLOCKS SHERIFF LAW (SB 5974) Second lawsuit filed against controv...

From a U.S. Supreme Court ruling on redistricting to a Washington judge blocking a controversial law, major legal developments are raising new questions about who controls elections and political power. In this episode of Washington In Focus Daily, we break down how these rulings could impact Washington State and beyond. 🗺️ TOP STORY: SUPREME COURT REDISTRICTING RULING U.S. Supreme Court ruled in...

From gas tax dollars to court battles, major questions are being raised about how your money is being spent in Washington State. In today’s episode of Washington In Focus Daily, we break down multiple stories tied to government spending, taxes, and economic impact. 💰 TOP STORY: $500K IN TAXPAYER FUNDS TO ACTIVIST GROUP Nearly $500,000 in Climate Commitment Act (CCA) funding awarded Funded by: Gas...